6-19-2: SOLAR PERMIT AND FEES:
   (A)   Solar Permit Applications: It shall be unlawful to construct, alter, relocate or demolish any solar energy system without first applying for and obtaining both a building permit as set forth in Title 7, Chapter 1 of the Dixon City Code and a solar permit as more specifically provided in this chapter.
   (B)   Review Of Solar Permit Applications: Except as otherwise set forth in this Chapter, (i) solar permit applications with respect to solar energy systems that are a permitted accessory use or a permitted principal use shall be made to the City Building Department and reviewed for approval by the City Building Official; and (ii) solar permit applications with respect to solar energy systems that are a conditional accessory use or a conditional principal use shall be made to the City Building Department and reviewed pursuant to the procedures for approval of a special use pursuant to Chapter 13 of the Zoning Ordinance.
   (C)   Application Plans: Except as otherwise set forth in this Chapter, every solar permit application for the construction, alteration or relocation of a solar energy system shall be accompanied with a written plan and drawing for the proposed solar energy system. The written plan shall:
      1.   Identify the owner of the property upon which the proposed solar energy system will be located;
      2.   Identify the owner and operator of the proposed solar energy system, if not the same as the owner of the property upon which the proposed solar energy system will be located;
      3.   Indicate the zoning classification of the property and whether the solar energy system will be an accessory or principal use;
      4.   Include to-scale horizontal and vertical drawings showing all buildings and accessory structures located on the property, all adjoining roadways, the location of the solar energy system on the building or on the property, including all set-back and property lines, the elevation of the solar energy system, and the location and types of all screening;
      5.   For roof mount solar energy systems other than a flat roof, the elevation must show the highest finished slope of the solar collector and the slope of the finished roof surface on which it is mounted;
      6.   Indicate the total wattage anticipated to be generated by the solar energy system;
      7.   Indicate whether the applicant has obtained an interconnection agreement with the electric utility in whose service territory the solar energy system is located, whether the electricity generated will be distributed privately, or whether the electricity generated will be used on site; and
      8.   Identify the name of the installer of the solar energy system.
No solar permit shall be issued except after approval of the written plan and drawing and after payment of the fees as provided for herein.
   (D)   Decommissioning Plan: If the solar energy system is a principal use upon the property, a decommissioning plan shall be submitted with the solar permit application. The plan shall ensure that the owner or operator properly removes the equipment and/or facilities upon the abandonment or end of the project's term or after the solar energy system's useful life. A decommissioning plan shall include the following:
      1.   The anticipated means and costs of removing the solar energy system;
      2.   Provisions for the removal of all structures and foundations, including the removal of all electrical transmission components and the restoration of soil and vegetation;
      3.   The identity of the party or parties responsible for decommissioning; and
      4.   A plan ensuring financial resources will be available to fully decommission the site, which plan may include a requirement for the posting, prior to the issuance of a solar permit, of a bond, letter of credit, or establishment of an escrow account to ensure proper decommissioning.
   (E)   Application Fees: In addition to payment of all applicable building permit fees, every solar permit application shall be charged an application processing fee based on the total wattage anticipated to be generated by the solar energy system:
0-4 kilowatts (kW)
$ 75.00
5-10 kilowatts (kW)
$ 150.00
11-50 kilowatts (kW)
$ 300.00
51-100 kilowatts (kW)
$ 500.00
101-500 kilowatts (kW)
$1,000.00
501-1,000 kilowatts (kW)
$3,000.00
1,001-2,000 kilowatts (kW)
$5,000.00
Over 2,000 kilowatts (kW)
$5,000.00 + 200.00 for each additional 100 kilowatts (kW)
 
   (F)   Demolition Permit: Any person desiring to remove or demolish a solar energy system shall secure a building permit pursuant to Title 7, Chapter 1 of Dixon City Code.
   (G)   Fee Surcharge: Any person who constructs, alters, relocates or demolishes a solar energy system prior to the application, payment and issuance of a solar permit as required herein shall be charged three (3) times the application fee.
   (H)   Cancellation, Abandonment And Discontinuance: A solar permit will become null and void if construction work is not started within six (6) months of the date the solar permit is issued. Once started, if the work for which the solar permit was issued is, in the discretion of the City Building Official, abandoned or discontinued, the solar permit shall be terminated. (Ord. 3121, 1-7-2019)